After the storm, getting the generator going early and setting up the hand pump for the well made all the difference. A quick project with leftover well pump wire turned into a solid clothesline—an unexpected but handy addition that Carla LOVED. Through it all, AT&T held strong, and Starlink was exceptional. If you're interested, see below for a link featuring a free month for both you and me.

It felt like living a real-life episode of "Prep Comms." The ZBM2 Industries antennas are outta sight—thanks, Deric! While the local 2m repeater was down, it didn’t hold us back; we had the gear ready, so radio wasn't top of my mind. That's one big lesson: when you’ve prepared well, the need for comms isn't a distraction, freeing you to focus on other tasks.

The WLN KDC1 handheld radios continue to be incredibly reliable and cost-effective, with GMRS as our go-to system for family comms. It's a perfect service that doesn’t require any testing, making it ideal for family use. Though I used my ham radios sparingly, they came in handy for checking in on 40m HF (JS8Call) and daily Winlink check-ins over VHF Packet.

Just North of us the Mt. Mitchell Ham Repeater was a true lifeline, saving lives daily. Be sure to watch KM4ACK Jason’s video, linked below, about the welfare nets on this repeater. Locally, our phones worked well, so ham radio took a backseat for us, though just 45 minutes away, it was a crucial lifesaver.

Brother-to-brother comms on CB were also reliable, showing that there’s a role for every communication method. And while I stayed busy with work, the family stepped up; we learned countless lessons that we’ll carry forward. Although some coax-internet is still down, Verizon failed most while ham radio absolutely shined across North Carolina. The BTech 6x2Pro proved essential for both farm and fire department communications.

This experience underscored the value of preparedness and inspired us to add an ECOFLOW 2700W solar generator to back up our primary generator. No matter where you’re starting from, take that first step toward readiness. Don’t be discouraged—I’m here to help!

That Simple Pump from Scott Hunt (Practical Preppers) was a true lifesaver, keeping water flowing through it all. Men, husbands, dads—let’s get you started! Plan C Solutions and The Family Radio Guy are coming soon to help you and your family prepare for the upcoming unknown. And if you're looking for quality water filters, check out Hub City Mercantile for your Berkey replacement filters.

KM4ACK Helene Net Video! (Must Watch!)

BTech 6x2Pro : https://amzn.to/4htGNTj
Baofeng UV21: https://amzn.to/4fp4VFr
BTech GMRS V1: https://amzn.to/3YZaPY5
Btech MURS V2: https://amzn.to/40v2Hzr
WLN Micro Handi : https://amzn.to/4elglss

Uniden Home Patrol Scanner

Water Bob : https://amzn.to/4etzQiB
Ecoflow 2700 : https://amzn.to/4f7OaOR
Starlink (1 mo free for you and me)

Simple Pump: Hand Well Pump

Here's a timeline rundown from our Helene Prepping and Recovery

After preparing gas and propane midweek, we ensured all equipment was charged and ready. At 0400 on the 27th, my mini comm hub was active. By 0630, local repeaters went offline, and at 0730, we lost power. With severe winds raging, we canceled work, activated our generator at 0800, and monitored fire and ham bands on the BTech 6X2Pro. Once the rain subsided, we utilized the Simple Pump, though filling the tub beforehand had slipped my mind. We assessed farm damage, surveyed nearby areas, then focused on family, using GMRS almost exclusively. Around day 2, the local club activated the backup 2m repeater.

We quickly learned the importance of organizing supplies, checking on neighbors, and securing water for extended family. Thankfully, AT&T held steady, and Starlink was invaluable. Our generator was essential, though a wiring fix was needed post-storm. By Sunday, life resumed as near-normal, with only brief setbacks. Reports of coax internet still remain down. Fiber proved resilient yet delicate, and Verizon was unreliable. Ultimately, radio communication, though modest in our setup, was a lifeline for many in WNC, showcasing its critical role during a crisis.

KM4ACK Helene Net Video! (Must Watch!)

BTech 6x2Pro : https://amzn.to/4htGNTj
Baofeng UV21: https://amzn.to/4fp4VFr
BTech GMRS V1: https://amzn.to/3YZaPY5
Btech MURS V2: https://amzn.to/40v2Hzr
WLN Micro Handi : https://amzn.to/4elglss

Water Bob : https://amzn.to/4etzQiB
Ecoflow 2700 : https://amzn.to/4f7OaOR
Starlink (1 mo free for you and me)

In this episode of Prep Comms Podcast, Caleb wraps up his road-trip into the critical role of CB radios for preppers. He addresses a listener question and breaks down the legal implications surrounding unauthorized radio modifications.

Remember your antenna will make or break your communications platform.

thanks for listening and sharing the show, 73-K4CDN

CB Radio Suggestions

Power Supplies

Base Stations

FREE: CB Radio e-Book

Free: PDF of CB Radio Frequencies

IMDB top 30 Trucker Films

Continuing the CB Radio for Preppers and Caleb looks back to his teens and how CB Radio was what lead him to Radio Shack, FM Radio and Ham Radio and eventually Podcasting.

CB isn't what it was, but it's a Very Practical Comms Tool you should consider for your preps!

Hub City Mercantile is the Offical Show Sponsor of the Prep Comms Podcast!

Radiodity Micro CB Radio

Antennas and Cables

The 11-meter band sits within the **high-frequency (HF)** spectrum, and its properties significantly affect the performance of CB radios. Frequencies within this range can travel through the ionosphere, especially during favorable atmospheric conditions, making **skip propagation** possible. Skip propagation allows signals to bounce off the ionosphere, potentially reaching hundreds of miles beyond their typical range.

However, not all conditions favor such long-distance communication. Atmospheric disturbances, solar cycles, and interference from other devices can limit the effective range of CB radios operating in the 11-meter band. For most users, this range averages between **1 to 15 miles**, depending on the terrain and other factors.

AM vs. SSB Modes: Performance and Usage

CB radios typically operate using one of two communication modes: **Amplitude Modulation (AM)** and **Single Sideband (SSB)**. Both have their advantages and trade-offs, impacting how CB users experience clarity, range, and performance.

AM (Amplitude Modulation)

The AM mode is the default communication method for most CB radios. It works by modulating the amplitude of the radio wave to carry the audio signal. AM is relatively simple in terms of technology and is favored by truckers and casual users for local communication. However, it has limitations, particularly in clarity and range.

AM transmissions are more susceptible to **noise interference** from electrical devices, power lines, and atmospheric conditions. The sound quality tends to degrade over longer distances, and the range can be limited, typically extending no further than **5 to 10 miles** in most conditions. While convenient for general communication, AM may not offer the performance needed for long-distance or emergency communication.

SSB (Single Sideband)

SSB mode offers a significant upgrade in performance, allowing CB users to achieve greater range and clarity. Unlike AM, which transmits a full signal that includes a carrier and both upper and lower sidebands, SSB transmits only one sideband (upper or lower), removing the carrier. This makes SSB more **efficient** in terms of power and bandwidth usage.

In practical terms, SSB can extend communication range by **50 to 100%** compared to AM, making it ideal for those who need to cover larger areas. It also provides clearer audio, especially in noisy or interference-prone environments. The trade-off, however, is that not all CB radios support SSB, and it requires more precise tuning for optimal performance.

CB Radio Suggestions

What is SSB?: YouTube

Power Supplies

Base Stations

Beware/Aware: Most CB Radio Traffic is Rated R

FREE: CB Radio e-Book

Free: PDF of CB Radio Frequencies

Brought to you by Hub City Mercantile

CB (Citizens Band) radio remains a popular communication tool for hobbyists, truckers, and preparedness enthusiasts. Offering a way to connect over short distances without needing a license, CB radios operate on the 11-meter band, a frequency range that holds unique significance. In this episode we get into the practical use of CB's for Preppers (a prepper should had a CB Radio!) as well as a great deal of my past use of the platform (almost 45 years)

Free eBook: CB Radio for Preppers

CB radio is an essential tool for preppers because it's cheap, easy to access, and many people already own one. Unlike more complex systems, CB radios require minimal setup and can be easily operated without specialized training. Additionally, improvised antennas often work well with CB radios, making them a versatile and reliable communication method during emergencies when traditional networks fail.

Don't forget the Antenna! It's the Most Important part of your system!

The CB Radio Antenna I grew up with, just add the magnet kit: the K-40

CB Radio Power Supplies

SSB CB Radios

Radioddity Micro CB

CB Radio Base Antenna Ideas: Youtube

CB Antennas on Amazon

Hub City Mercantile: Baofeng HT Replacement Antenna

What is SSB (single sideband): Youtube

Printable PDF CB Frequencies Chart

**TLDR Summary:** New Series: CB Radio for Preppers

- Part 1

- Citizen's Band (CB) Radio has a rich history, rooted in the mid-20th century as a form of local communication.

- This episode will explore how CB radio grew in popularity, especially among truckers, hobbyists, and emergency responders.

- We’ll discuss how the technology of CB radio evolved and its lasting legacy in modern communication.

- Topics will cover its uses, limitations, and role in the preppers plans.

Citizen's Band (CB) Radio has played an essential role in the evolution of wireless communication, especially in local, mobile applications. Originally developed in the 1940s, CB radio quickly became a favorite of long-haul truckers, hobbyists, and emergency responders, offering a reliable way to communicate over short distances. In this series, we will dive deep into the history of CB radio, examine its technological innovations—like the 11-meter band and the use of AM and SSB modes—and discuss its cultural impact. Join us as we explore how CB radio still holds value in a world dominated by smartphones and internet-based communication especially for the preparedness community.

Free CB Radio for Preppers - eBook: LINK

Many of you just want to know what to buy, ok...here you go:

1. Small Mobile (inside your vehicle)
2. Base Station (inside your home or safe space)
3. Random List of CB's I Like (mostly mobiles)
4. Antennas (antennas and cables)
5. Power Supplies (12v power from your home)

Make sure to visit Hub City Mercantile for any Water Filtration Need You Have (comms solutions there too!)

thanks for listening and sharing!

Caleb/K4CDN

Printable PDF of CB Radio Frequencies

After nearly a dozen episodes, Caleb finally gets around to talking about 'talking'. That said, he still remind us about the importance of listening. Preppers talking on radios should be more than just a handheld radio from Amazon passed around the neighborhood and we're preparing to go deep on the topic-stay tuned. The conversation goes from listening to talking with a hint at the upcoming series: CB Radio's for Preppers!

Get your copy of Caleb's free and recently updated eBook CB Radio For Preppers: A How-to Guide to Get On The Air before the Apocalypse: Here

Visit our Show Sponsor: Hub City Mercantile

Thanks for listening!

Caleb Nelson/ K4CDN

FTA Satellite is not what it once was, but it's still a viable alternative to paid TV especially if you're interested in news with different views. In this episode Caleb discusses the benefits of FTA Satellite and why a prepper may consider adding it to their communications plan.

Although FTA satellite systems have largely faded from mainstream use, a small community of enthusiasts remains committed to preserving this technology. They emphasize its unique ability to access international programming, which has kept a niche audience engaged, particularly among those interested in content from different languages and cultures. For a time, this interest sustained the FTA community, but the rapid growth of streaming services soon eclipsed these efforts, pushing FTA further into obscurity.

While FTA satellites are no longer widely used, some hobbyists still refurbish old dishes and exchange knowledge online. These dedicated individuals continue to discover unencrypted feeds and network programming through FTA systems, even though the widespread availability of internet-based content has greatly diminished the demand for such technology.

Is there a place in your comms plan for FTA Satellite? For me? Yes.

The #1 place to learn more about FTA Satellites: Satellite Guys Forum

The Best Place to Shop FTA: HyperMegaSat

FTA Satellite on Amazon: K4CDN Store

Mentions: KE4EST